‘Did you know that the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cost Colombians a total of $244,245,305 (£44,419.26)?’ Cabal’s office told The Telegraph. The sum includes internal transport during the couple’s visit, as well as security – for example, protection for the engagements held San Basilio de Palenque, the first African Freetown in the Americas, cost almost £7,500. In Cali, where the couple attended a music and culture festival, a forum and a meeting with young people, the security bill came in at just under £4,500.
The Sussexes’ trip was designed to offer them an ‘exceptional opportunity to engage with elders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians… and illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation,’ said Márquez, when the tour was announced.
While Harry and Meghan were only in Colombia for four days, the total cost of their trip covers an eight-day period, as it includes advance visits from staff, including security and logistics teams responsible for ‘transport, sound, refreshments and everything involved’ for each engagement. As the couple face mounting accusations of over-spending on the tour, the vice-president’s office was keen to stress that Harry and Meghan paid for their own flights, their accommodation in Bogotá and general expenses.
Harry and Meghan at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogotá
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